This brief is a response to Paul Zavitkovsky’s paper titled “Data Rich/Information Poor,” and includes NWEA’s high-level comments and concerns regarding Mr. Zavitkovsky’s claims. The brief highlights five areas that challenge the strength, validity, and quality of some of Mr. Zavitkosky’s “findings,” and as such, provide context for interpreting his results with caution and scrutiny.

A new study from NWEA features voices of U.S. teachers, school and district leaders providing their understanding and definition of equity, challenges and opportunities in implementing equity initiatives, impacts of the COVID disruptions on schools and recommendations for moving forward in a post-pandemic world.

Ninety-nine districts partnered with NWEA and Khan Academy to implement MAP Accelerator during the COVID-disrupted 2020–21 school year. Results indicate that students using MAP Accelerator for 30 or more minutes a week throughout the school year showed greater-than-expected growth, on average, from fall 2020 to spring 2021 on their MAP Growth tests compared to normative growth based on pre-pandemic trends.

Overview of how NWEA Science Content Specialists align items to multidimensional standards such as the Next Generation Science Standards.

How can we support academic growth for English learners (ELs) who may have experienced disproportionate academic impacts from COVID-19? Recent NWEA research may help inform how federal ESSER funding can provide early intervention and extended school year support in the summer and after-school that can create sustainable change and further growth for ELs.

How can we support academic growth for students with disabilities (SWD) who may have experienced disproportionate academic impacts from COVID-19? Recent NWEA research may help inform how federal ESSER and IDEA funding can provide early intervention, extended school year support in the summer, and other evidence-based supports that can create sustainable change and further growth for SWD.

With a focus on formative assessment, providing feedback, encouraging student-led goal setting, and more, professional learning courses help teachers create a supportive environment for students.